Zoo Keeper (Primates)

Position Title:    Zookeeper-Primates (Great Apes)

Department:    Animal

Reports To:    Assistant Curator of Section working

Location:    Audubon Zoo

FLSA Status:    Non-Exempt

Date Revised:    8/31/2026

General Summary:

This position is a Zookeeper at Audubon Zoo. This position will encompass a skilled professional that provides technical work in the daily care of specific animals and habitats. Reporting directly to the Assistant Curator of an assigned area, and under the general supervision of the Curator. Zookeepers: perform routine zookeeper duties; work under minimal supervision in a wide range of functions; may supervisor volunteer staff; initiate and participate in training and behavioral enrichment. This position works directly with a breeding group Sumatran Orangutans, at a minimum of 2-3 days a week and with Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, Western lowland gorillas, and Black Howler Monkeys as well as Black and White Colobus and Wolf Guenon the remaining days or as needed. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team that is focused on welfare initiatives, breeding, and mixed species management.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Zookeeper will:

Provide daily guest experience of outstanding quality.

•    A strong willingness to engage our guests about the Audubon Zoo’s mission statement. Looks to have genuine conversations about conservation, wildlife, and take-home messages.

•    Ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate and respond to any emergency situations that arise with our guests.

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience.

•    Willingness to present highly engaging educational programs as assigned.

•    Participates in shows/chats/feeds for our guests daily.

•    Conducts behind-the-scenes tours for VIP’s, donors, and Audubon Education programs as scheduled.

•    Extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through welfare initiatives and research

•    Identifies and corrects minor or routine maintenance problems and reports other maintenance needs directly to supervisor(s).

•    Performs and initiates behavior modification and behavioral enrichment programs in assigned areas as designated by supervisor(s).

•    Observes general animal health and behavior daily and reports any abnormal situations to a supervisor(s).

•    Maintains daily records of health and behavior status of animals in designated areas as directed.

•    Prepares and follows prescribed diets and feeding procedures as directed by supervisor(s).

•    Will assist in training new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures .

•    Will value the contribution of every team member.

•    May assist in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and assignment of volunteers as needed.

•    May assist in developing new facilities and improving existing ones as assigned by supervisor(s).

•    Composes technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned by supervisor(s).

•    Participates in capturing, restraining, and moving animals and sharing techniques with other team members.

•    Assists veterinary and curatorial staff in treating animals as assigned and prescribed.

•    Makes decisions consistent with Audubon policies and procedures when required.

•    Performs daily duties in all sections of the assigned department as required.

•    Strong skills in time management.

•    Ability to stay f lexible with team, supervisor(s), animals and daily routine.

•    Willingness to participate in AZA programs as assigned by supervisor(s).

•    Take initiative by leading co-workers, Interns and Volunteers in coordinating and leading group projects.

•    Brings a positive attitude and is accountable for their actions.

•    Take personal responsibility for their surroundings.

•    Displays actions that are moral and ethical.

•    Looks to provide alternate solutions whenever possible.

•    Maintain empathic behavior towards team members and supervisor(s).

•    Willingness to receive and give feedback f rom team members and supervisor(s).

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Zookeeper will:

Welcome

•    Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, and offer f riendly phrases and greetings.

•    Wears identification badge and follow dress code. Maintains a camera-ready appearance.

•    Offers assistance to guests whenever possible.

•    Assumes ownership of potential safety hazards and park appearance (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).

Share

•    Always engage team members and guests in a positive manner.

•    Utilizes the power of teamwork to provide excellent service.

•    Know when to involve the management team.

Inspire

•    Strives to share their passion and experiences for the conservation of wildlife.

•    Empowered to take ownership of opportunities to exceed expectations.

Experience:

•    Diverse and strong knowledge of the principles of captive primate management. Great Ape experience preferred.

•    Working knowledge of breeding, hand rearing animal transport and introductions preferred.

•    Strong knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.

•    Strong ability to exercise sound judgment to evaluate each animal’s health, diet, behavior, and any emergency situations that arise.

•    Considerable experience in care, restraint, and handling of exotic animals.

•    Excellent safety track record, especially with Great Apes.

•    Working knowledge of USDA and AZA requirements.

•    Strong knowledge of exhibitory techniques, such as perching.

•    Strong knowledge of animal training and application.

•    Must have the ability to be cross trained in all aspects of the Primate Department.

•    With 6 years of experience, an individual can qualify for a Senior Keeper position. Additional benchmarks would need to be met and/or a timeline created to achieve benchmarks.

Education:

•    High School degree or equivalent

•    Accurate oral and written communication skills

•    College credits in Biology or related f ields

•    Bachelor’s degree in related f ield preferred

•    Ability to take required webinar courses.

Licensure/Certification:

•    Must maintain a valid La. Driver’s License

•    Must be fully Covid vaccinated

•    Current TB test

•    Current Tetanus shot

•    Current rabies vaccinations as required by department

•    Ability to obtain Incident Command System 100 and 200

Software Requirements:

•    Proficiency in computer processing

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

•    Ability to learn and operate medium and heavy equipment as needed.

•    Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment, etc.

•    Ability and willingness to operate complex pump systems.

Physical Requirements:

•    The ability to work outdoors in extreme weather patterns, including heat, humidity, and heavy rain.

•    Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations : Heavy work involving lif ting no more than 100 pounds at a time with f requent lif ting or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

•    Risk periodic exposure to predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.

•    Must be able to wear appropriate PPE when designated by employer.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

•    Ability to work effectively and positively in a team and with volunteers.

•    Daily cleaning of animal habitats and grounds.

•    Maintains off-exhibit areas in a clean and organized manner.

•    Ability to work weekends and holidays, including overtime and be available based on special needs/circumstances on a 24-hour basis.

•    Willing to perform Pest Control duties as necessary.

•    Willingness to serve on the zoo’s Hurricane Team, if needed.

•    Ability to understand and operate moat pump systems.

•    Ensures work area is f ree of food, drink, socialization, and personal business .